Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) is calling for the reclassification of J-59/La Grange Road as State Route 59 to improve public safety and strengthen California’s wildfire emergency response system. This vital corridor connects State Route 99 to State Route 108 and serves thousands of residents, first responders, and travelers each year. Despite its importance, it remains outside the state highway system.
"In light of recent devastating wildfires, having well-maintained and reliable infrastructure for emergency evacuation is crucial," said Senator Alvarado-Gil. "J-59/La Grange Road is a vital route used by CalFire and local communities during emergencies. By reclassifying it as a state route, we can ensure it will remain a key part of our regional safety network for decades and beyond."
J-59 is essential for communities such as Atwater, Sonora, San Andreas, and Murphys. It also supports travel from the Bay Area to major Sierra Nevada destinations, including Yosemite National Park. Reclassifying the route would unlock access to state funding to improve road conditions and increase reliability.
Recent traffic data also highlights the urgent need for this change. Between January 1, 2022 and March 31, 2025 there have been 26 severe injuries and 3 fatalities involving constituents in Senate District 4. This includes 12 severe injuries and 2 fatalities in Stanislaus County, 13 severe injuries and 1 fatality in Tuolumne County, and 1 severe injury in Merced County.
Merced County Supervisor Lloyd Pareira commended Senator Alvarado-Gil for championing this much-needed effort:
“I want to thank the Senator for being a true champion for our region and for public safety. Her relentless advocacy at the state level reflects the urgent need to protect our communities and ensure reliable access during emergencies. Because of her leadership, this critical safety improvement is finally gaining the attention and action it deserves.”
“I’ve heard loud and clear that this is long overdue. I am committed to making this reclassification a reality and look forward to working closely with the communities and stakeholders I serve to deliver results at the state level,” Alvarado-Gil concluded.